The fire danger rating for the Bridger-Teton rose from “moderate” last Wednesday to “high“ over the weekend. The classification change came as the result of two, large, lightning-caused fires starting on the forest.
The two fires have kept firefighters busy throughout the weekend. Both fires are burning in mixed conifer fuels and have grown with the help of high wind.

The Hardscrabble Fire was reported on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007 in the Beauty Park Creek area, located approximately 30 miles southwest of Dubois. As of Monday morning, the fire had grown to 1,600 acres and was only 20 percent contained.

The fire spread into the North Fish Creek and Moccasin Basin area, less than one and a half miles south of Highway 26. Togwotee Pass and the highway remain open. There is a temporary area closure in place in the Gros Ventre Wilderness in the area near the Teton and Fremont County line.

The Middle Fire was discovered on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007 between Little Greys Creek and the Greys River. The fire is located approximately 10 miles southeast of the Alpine Junction. Highway 89 remains open in the Snake River Canyon.

The Middle Fire is still on the non-highway side of the Snake River. The Little Greys Creek Road is closed at the confluence with the Greys River.